Best of Central Asia – 3 Stans: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan in 12 Days

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Reiseverlauf

1. 01
   Tag 1Arrival in Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

   Welcome to Kazakhstan! Upon arrival at Almaty International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

   Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Almaty, a vibrant city known for its tree-lined streets, cafés, cultural attractions, and spectacular mountain backdrop.

   Take a walk around the city center and discover the atmosphere of Kazakhstan’s largest city. Your guide can introduce you to local culture, cuisine, and everyday life.

   Highlights:

   • Arrival and hotel transfer

   • Introduction to Almaty

   • City-center walk, depending on arrival time

   Übernachtung: Almaty.

2. 02
   Tag 2Almaty City Tour, KAZAKHSTAN

   Discover Almaty’s main attractions on a guided city tour.

   Visit Panfilov Park and the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, a distinctive wooden structure surrounded by greenery. Continue to Republic Square to learn about Kazakhstan’s modern history and national identity.

   Explore Green Bazaar, where local vendors sell fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and traditional delicacies. This is an excellent opportunity to experience local life and sample regional products.

   Depending on the schedule, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Kok Tobe Hill, accessible by road or cable car when operating.

   Highlights:

   • Panfilov-Park

   • Zenkov-Kathedrale

   • Republikplatz

   • Grüner Basar

   • Kok Tobe Hügel, subject to the final schedule

   Übernachtung: Almaty.

3. 03
   Tag 3Medeu and Shymbulak Mountain Excursion, KAZAKHSTAN

   Escape the city and discover the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding Almaty.

   Travel to Medeu, a famous high-altitude sports complex nestled in a picturesque mountain valley. Continue toward Shymbulak Mountain Resort, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air and sweeping views of the Tian Shan range.

   Depending on the season and operating conditions, take a cable car to higher viewpoints or enjoy a walk in the surrounding mountain environment.

   Return to Almaty in the afternoon, with time to relax or explore the city independently.

   Highlights:

   • Medeu mountain area

   • Shymbulak Mountain Resort

   • Tian Shan mountain panoramas

   • Optional cable-car ride, subject to operation

   Übernachtung: Almaty.

4. 04
   Tag 4Almaty to Bishkek – Journey to Kyrgyzstan, KAZAKHSTAN / KYRGYZSTAN

   After breakfast, depart Almaty and travel overland to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

   The journey passes through the landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan toward the Kyrgyz border. After completing border formalities, continue to Bishkek.

   Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy an introductory city walk, depending on your arrival time. Discover Ala-Too Square, the city’s central gathering place, and explore the surrounding streets.

   Highlights:

   • Overland journey from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan

   • Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border crossing

   • Introduction to Bishkek

   • Ala-Too-Platz, time permitting

   Übernachtung: Bishkek.

5. 05
   Tag 5Bishkek City Tour, KYRGYZSTAN

   Discover Bishkek, a relaxed and leafy city with wide boulevards, Soviet-era architecture, green parks, and a growing contemporary culture.

   Visit Ala-Too Square and explore the city’s central landmarks. Continue to Osh Bazaar, one of Bishkek’s lively traditional markets, where you can discover local foods, spices, dried fruits, handicrafts, and everyday products.

   Learn about Kyrgyz traditions, nomadic heritage, and the country’s history with your local guide.

   Depending on your interests and available time, the program may include a visit to a cultural museum or a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.

   Highlights:

   • Ala-Too-Platz

   • Osh-Basar

   • Bishkek city center

   • Introduction to Kyrgyz culture and cuisine

   Übernachtung: Bishkek.

6. 06
   Tag 6Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake, KYRGYZSTAN

   After breakfast, depart for Issyk-Kul Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most celebrated natural attractions.

   Travel through beautiful mountain scenery, traditional villages, and open valleys before reaching the lake. Surrounded by the Tian Shan Mountains, Issyk-Kul is renowned for its immense size and striking natural setting.

   Depending on the chosen route and travel time, stop at selected viewpoints or cultural attractions along the way.

   Arrive at your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If conditions permit, take a walk along the shore and admire the surrounding mountains.

   Highlights:

   • Scenic drive through Kyrgyzstan

   • Panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake

   • Mountain and lakeside landscapes

   • Free time by the lake

   Übernachtung: Issyk-Kul Lake area.

7. 07
   Tag 7Issyk-Kul – Nomadic Traditions, KYRGYZSTAN

   Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural heritage of the Issyk-Kul region.

   Depending on the selected route and season, visit a traditional village or cultural center to learn about Kyrgyz nomadic life, including traditional yurts, felt-making, handicrafts, and local customs.

   You may also visit an appropriate lakeside viewpoint or explore a nearby natural attraction, subject to road conditions and the final itinerary.

   Enjoy opportunities to meet local people and learn about the importance of horses, hospitality, and seasonal migration in Kyrgyz culture.

   Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

   Highlights:

   • die kirgisische Nomadenkultur

   • Traditional yurt heritage

   • Local handicrafts and customs

   • Issyk-Kul landscapes

   Übernachtung: Issyk-Kul Lake area.

8. 08
   Tag 8Issyk-Kul to Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN

   After breakfast, depart Issyk-Kul and travel back to Bishkek.

   Enjoy the changing scenery as the route passes through valleys and mountain landscapes. Depending on the selected route, schedule, and road conditions, a stop at a cultural site or scenic viewpoint may be arranged.

   Arrive in Bishkek and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping, exploring local cafés, or enjoying a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.

   Prepare for the next stage of your journey to Uzbekistan.

   Highlights:

   • Scenic drive back to Bishkek

   • Optional stop along the route

   • Free time in the capital

   Übernachtung: Bishkek.

9. 09
   Tag 9Bishkek to Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

   After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Flight availability and schedules must be confirmed before booking.

   Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer to your hotel.

   Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring Tashkent. Discover the city’s mix of modern avenues, historic neighborhoods, and traditional markets.

   Visit the Khast Imam complex, an important religious and architectural site, and explore Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city’s best-known traditional markets.

   Enjoy your first introduction to Uzbek cuisine, famous for its plov, freshly baked bread, noodles, and regional specialties.

   Highlights:

   • Flight from Bishkek to Tashkent

   • Khast Imam complex

   • Chorsu Basar

   • Introduction to Uzbek food and culture

   Übernachtung: Tashkent.

10. 10
    Tag 10Tashkent to Samarkand, UZBEKISTAN

    After breakfast, travel to Samarkand by high-speed train or private vehicle, depending on the confirmed arrangements.

    Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s most famous historic cities, celebrated for its magnificent Islamic architecture and its role in Silk Road trade.

    Begin your guided exploration at Registan Square, the city’s iconic ensemble of madrasahs decorated with intricate tilework and monumental portals.

    Continue to Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, and explore additional historic landmarks according to the day’s schedule.

    Enjoy time to discover local crafts, traditional bread, and the flavors of Samarkand.

    Highlights:

    • Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand

    • Registan Platz

    • Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

    • Historic architecture and local culture

    Übernachtung: Samarkand.

11. 11
    Tag 11Samarkand to Bukhara, UZBEKISTAN

    Continue your Central Asian adventure with a journey from Samarkand to Bukhara by train or private vehicle.

    Upon arrival, begin exploring Bukhara’s atmospheric old town, a remarkable historic center filled with ancient mosques, madrasahs, trading domes, and traditional courtyards.

    Visit Lyabi-Hauz, a picturesque ensemble surrounding a historic pool, and explore the city’s old trading areas, where merchants once exchanged goods from across Asia.

    Discover the architecture and history of Bukhara, a city that flourished as an important center of trade, scholarship, religion, and craftsmanship.

    Enjoy free time to browse local handicrafts or sample traditional Uzbek cuisine.

    Highlights:

    • Travel from Samarkand to Bukhara

    • Lyabi-Hauz ensemble

    • Historic trading domes

    • Traditional crafts and old-town streets

    Übernachtung: Bukhara.

12. 12
    Tag 12Bukhara and Departure, UZBEKISTAN

    Enjoy breakfast before your final exploration of Bukhara.

    Visit selected landmarks such as the Ark Fortress, the historic center’s former seat of power, and the Kalyan Minaret and Mosque ensemble, one of the city’s most recognizable architectural sights.

    Explore the old town’s narrow lanes, traditional courtyards, and craft shops. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final walk through the historic center or a traditional Uzbek lunch.

    At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

    Highlights:

    • Ark-Festung

    • Kalyan Minaret and Mosque ensemble

    • Bukhara historic center

    • Departure transfer

    End of the 12-day Central Asia tour.

Tour highlights

• Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural capital, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

• Visit Medeu and enjoy panoramic mountain views from Shymbulak, subject to seasonal operation.

• Discover Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and experience its relaxed Central Asian atmosphere.

• Admire the mountain landscapes and natural beauty around Issyk-Kul Lake.

• Experience Kyrgyz nomadic traditions and learn about traditional felt yurts.

• Explore Tashkent’s historic landmarks, traditional markets, and modern city life.

• Discover the architectural wonders of Samarkand, including the iconic Registan Square.

• Walk through the historic streets of Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric cities on the ancient Silk Road.

• Experience three distinct cultures, cuisines, and landscapes in a single journey.

Tour Map

Über die Tour